The Lions have signed Adrian Peterson to a one-year deal worth $1.1 million that could increase in value for the veteran running back based on incentives.
Peterson was somewhat of a surprising cut by Washington this past week as they decided to dedicate their offensive backfield entirely to the youth movement. Detroit seemed to be in a similar position given their dedication to drafting running backs early in Kerryon Johnson (Round Two, 2018) and D’Andre Swift (Round Two, 2020).
Coming off a 2019 season in which the veteran rushed for 898 yards and five touchdowns, Peterson has proven that there’s still something in the tank for the 35-year-old.
But at what cost?
The deal itself is good. It’s a low risk, high reward type of deal for the Lions monetarily so there shouldn’t be any contention regarding Peterson eating up a bunch of cap space. You have to wonder though what the motivation was behind the deal for a guy who is going to command some touches, especially coming after the Lions released their initial 53-man roster ahead of week one against the Bears.
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Is Swift’s leg injury more serious than originally thought? And who will be the odd man out?
The Lions currently have five backs listed on the initial 53-man including Kerryon Johnson, Swift, Ty Johnson, fullback Jason Cabinda, and Bo Scarbrough. If anything you’d think that Scarbrough would be that guy to get the boot if Peterson is going to fill the role as power back. Then again, no corresponding roster move has been announced by the team, yet.
Nonetheless, after years of playing havoc on Detroit defenses of the past, it’s going to be weird seeing Adrian Peterson in a Lions jersey.
